Exploring Current Social Issues and Persuasive Writing
Discover how to craft a compelling Higher Persuasive Folio essay by brainstorming persuasive topics and diving into current interesting issues. Avoid banned topics and focus on honing persuasive techniques for a successful essay.
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Persuasive Writing Most likely, you will have written a persuasive essay as part of your folio at N5 This will have been on a topic of your (or your teacher s ) choice, based on an interest you have Your Higher persuasive essay must be: On an entirely different topic More sophisticated use of language/persuasive techniques More in-depth analysis and research Longer word count- 700-1300
Persuasive Topic Brainstorming Come up with a list of THREE current issues that you have a strong opinion about or interest in-look at the list provided as examples of potential topics (although you are not restricted to this!) and look on news websites to get an idea of what is a current issue Note down what your point of view is on each topic-what is your opinion? Note down what you want to find out more about in terms of this issue
Current Interesting Issues The dangers of anti-vaxxers Influencers and advertising Reality TV s impact on mental health (Love Island, Jeremy Kyle) The normalisation of microtreatments (botox, filler, lip injections) Everest expeditions Born evil? Rise of the alt right online Mental health awareness and NHS provision Body positivity movement Plastic straw debate Veganism BBC bias BBC presenters gender pay gap GCC Ipad roll out Public shaming online Privatisation of the NHS Drone delivery Drone laws Private CCTV laws The rise of true crime Rise of male suicide Designer dog breeding (pugs, bulldogs) Junior doctors hours Uber/Deliveroo workers rights Why woman s football should be getting more attention Caster Semenya hormone debate Rise of esports Rise of kpop Silent riding in Uber Fast fashion Death of the high street Huawei 5G Screentime and children-good or bad? Is Disney becoming more feminist? School starting age Driverless cars Electric cars Recycling as compulsory/fining over recycling
Banned Topics Euthanasia Abortion Footballer s wages Death penalty Trump Brexit Scottish Independence The negative effects of gaming Legalisation of cannabis Negative effects of social media (unless done in interesting way!)
Persuasive Structure Main Introduction Main Argument 2 Argument 1 Counter-argument (Acknowledgement of other ideas and response) Conclusion Main Argument 3
Creating Main Arguments Now we have completed our topic proposals, we must look at our main arguments for our essays We will need three main arguments in support/against your issue (depending on your point of view) These arguments need to be: Strong, expressing your opinion Backed up with evidence Detailed As we are at our basic planning stage, all we need are simple statements to investigate further, during our research sessions You will also need to include a counter-argument. This is a point AGAINST your viewpoint, that you will disprove in your essay
Main Arguments TOPIC: MP1- MP2- MP3- CA-
Main Arguments TOPIC: Is Disney Becoming More Feminist? MP1- Frozen and the power of female relationships MP2- Moana and female leadership and adventure MP3- Brave and rejecting gender norms CA-Princess stereotype- Brave , Tangled , Frozen
Beginning Your Research We will have time in the Mitre ICT Suite this week to begin researching your topic more Today you can begin looking for information on your phone about your topic Try to take some notes-either in your phone or on paper-of relevant websites, interesting statistics or quotations, that will support your arguments Make sure you keep a record of what information is coming from what website Organise these under specific headings, as in my example When we are in the library, you can use a word document to organise your notes
https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b0b9 dzb6/panorama-smartphones-the-dark-side https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/p070 vfww/addicted-to-series-1-1-likes https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oJZg86gg SZU
Higher Persuasive Folio Writing Your Opening
Beginning Your Research Unfortunately I could not get us booked in to a computing room/library, so a lot of your research for this piece will be done at home For next Friday (30/08/19), begin researching your topic in detail and making research notes Look at the example given as an indicator of what your research should look like in terms of detail- this is on GLOW as an example You are looking for: Statistics Key quotes from reputable spokespeople Relevant and up to date information You may handwrite your notes or type (probably easiest, but don t just copy and paste huge chunks of info!) Email notes to: gw15innesmairi@glow.sch.uk missminnes@gmail.com
Persuasive Introduction Your persuasive introduction needs to: Introduce your topic Set the tone for your piece-serious, critical, humorous, positive, etc. Introduce the main points you will discuss in detail Firmly state/make clear your opinion How to begin A pun/joke based on your topic A shocking fact or statistic Asking the reader s opinion A quote from an expert on the topic
Example Introduction 1 Once upon a time, there was a young idealistic girl. This young girl dreamed of one day marrying a handsome prince, becoming a princess and living happily ever after. But does that girl still exist in 2019? In Disney s first feature length film in 1939, Snow White lamented that one day her prince would come, but in their more modern offerings, the heroines don t appear to have time to wait around for a man to save the day. These damsels are no longer in distress, but actively seeking out adventure and leadership roles outwith their so-called destinies . Despite having a long track record of female lead characters, Disney has often been critiqued for portraying their leading ladies as one-dimensional female stereotypes, obsessed with appearance and finding true love. However in recent years, films such as Brave , Frozen and Moana demonstrate that there is an appetite for a different type of female character; presenting young audiences with headstrong, opinionated and adventurous girls with no interest in romance. With fourth-wave feminism creating a strong online community for young feminists, this change has been praised by millions: Disney s attempt at rebranding is displayed in their embracing of a society where females can be in positions of power and make their own decisions. (English 105) Is Disney finally rewriting the fairytale?
Introducing topic Example Introduction 1 Once upon a time, there was a young idealistic girl. This young girl dreamed of one day marrying a handsome prince, becoming a princess and living happily ever after. But does that girl still exist in 2019? In Disney s first feature length film in 1939, Snow White lamented that one day her prince would come, but in their more modern offerings, the heroines don t appear to have time to wait around for a man to save the day. These damsels are no longer in distress, but actively seeking out adventure and leadership roles outwith their so-called destinies . Despite having a long track record of female lead characters, Disney has often been critiqued for portraying their leading ladies as one-dimensional female stereotypes, obsessed with appearance and finding true love. However in recent years, films such as Brave , Frozen and Moana demonstrate that there is an appetite for a different type of female character; presenting young audiences with headstrong, opinionated and adventurous girls with no interest in romance. With fourth-wave feminism creating a strong online community for young feminists, this change has been praised by millions: Disney s attempt at rebranding is displayed in their embracing of a society where females can be in positions of power and make their own decisions. (English 105) Is Disney finally rewriting the fairytale? Introducing main points Tone-positive, praising Making opinion clear
Example Introduction 2 Not long ago, in a city fairly far away (although culturally, it may as well be galaxies ),an epic deal was struck in Los Angeles between two behemoths of the entertainment industry. A deal that would spark joy in the hearts of millions of man-children around the world, and an epic eye-roll from long-suffering partners. Yes, The Empire had struck back: Lucasfilms had signed an agreement giving Disney the rights to the Star Wars franchise. Fans waited with baited breath to see how Disney would use their new-found Force: after a series of prequels that were more Skyflopper than Skywalker, they were right to be apprehensive. However, what Disney has created has been a true testament to what is truly at the heartof Star Wars: not sci-fi, fantasy escapism, but a celebration of diversity, inclusion and progression.
Example Introduction 2 Tone-jokey, humorous Introducing topic Not long ago, in a city fairly far away (although culturally, it may as well be galaxies ), an epic deal was struck in Los Angeles between two behemoths of the entertainment industry. A deal that would spark joy in the hearts of millions of man-children around the world, and an epic eye-roll from long-suffering partners. Yes, The Empire had struck back: Lucasfilms had signed an agreement giving Disney the rights to the Star Wars franchise. Fans waited with baited breath to see how Disney would use their new-found Force: after a series of prequels that were more Skyflopper than Skywalker, they were right to be apprehensive. However, what Disney has created has been a true testament to what is truly at the heart of Star Wars: not sci-fi, fantasy escapism, but a celebration of diversity, inclusion and progression. Introduce main points Positive language showing opinion
Example Introduction 3 The plastic bubble was burst in Scotland of the 20th of October 2014 with the introduction of a mandatory plastic bag charge in a bid to tackle Scotland s litter problem. A staggering amount of 1 trillion plastic bags are used world- wide each year. Plastic bags blowing in the wind are a dishearteningly familiar sight-and one with environmental repercussions, taking up to hundreds of years to decompose. They often end up in the water courses and are catastrophic when they reach the marine environment. Each year Scotland, alone, currently works its way through more than 800 million bags-that s more bags per head than England, Wales or Northern Ireland. The United Kingdom as a whole gives out at least nine billion plastic bags per annum. This charge Is a starting point in raising awareness of the impact our presence is creating in our world.
Example Introduction 3 The plastic bubble was burst in Scotland of the 20th of October 2014 with the introduction of a mandatory plastic bag chargein a bid to tackle Scotland s litter problem. A staggering amount of 1 trillion plastic bags are used world- wide each year. Plastic bags blowing in the wind are a dishearteningly familiar sight-and one with environmental repercussions, taking up to hundreds of years to decompose. They often end up in the water courses and are catastrophic when they reach the marine environment. Each year Scotland, alone, currently works its way through more than 800 million bags-that s more bags per head than England, Wales or Northern Ireland. The United Kingdom as a whole gives out at least nine billion plastic bags per annum. This charge is a starting point in raising awareness of the impact our presence is creating in our world.
Example Introduction 4 Imagine you are sitting in a History class. The teacher painting a vivid picture in your impressionable mind of knights in shining armour; the giants of history: Julius Caesar, Robert the Bruce, Winston Churchill. Think of the childlike wonder you feel when you hear about these great people, of how they astounded the world with their achievements. Just take a moment to do that Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it. -George Santayana For hundreds of years, schools have existed in the United Kingdom and History has always been taught in them. Over the years, the subject has found itself being demoted from a core and essential subject to, in some cases, not worthy of the curriculum at all. Think of how many children do not know the basics of history nowadays, and how many children who could not give even a trickle of information about WWII. History has been put on the side-lines, shoved aside in place of subjects that matter . Yet what many seem to forget is that History is a vital subject. It teaches us about catastrophes (and how to stop them); about the way we used to deal with things and about how we used to act and behave. It seems to have been forgotten how much of a multi-tool History is-teaching us strong analytical and thinking skills that are transferrable in other subjects. Therefore, the question arises-should History be taught as a core subject in all schools?
Example Introduction 4 Imagine you are sitting in a History class. The teacher painting a vivid picture in your impressionable mind of knights in shining armour; the giants of history: Julius Caesar, Robert the Bruce, Winston Churchill. Think of the childlike wonder you feel when you hear about these great people, of how they astounded the world with their achievements. Just take a moment to do that Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it. -George Santayana For hundreds of years, schools have existed in the United Kingdom and History has always been taught in them. Over the years, the subject has found itself being demoted from a core and essential subject to, in some cases, not worthy of the curriculum at all. Think of how many children do not know the basics of history nowadays, and how many children who could not give even a trickle of information about WWII. History has been put on the side-lines, shoved aside in place of subjects that matter . Yet what many seem to forget is that History is a vital subject. It teaches us about catastrophes (and how to stop them); about the way we used to deal with things and about how we used to act and behave. It seems to have been forgotten how much of a multi-tool History is-teaching us strong analytical and thinking skills that are transferrable in other subjects. Therefore, the question arises-should History be taught as a core subject in all schools?
Homework-Due Fri 30th Aug Persuasive research, using example on GLOW as guideline for level of depth and organisation of notes Can be handwritten or typed-emailed typed versions to: gw15innesmairi@glow.sch.uk missminnes@gmail.com
Higher Persuasive Folio Writing Your Opening
Persuasive Introduction Your persuasive introduction needs to: Introduce your topic Set the tone for your piece-serious, critical, humorous, positive, etc. Introduce the main points you will discuss in detail Firmly state/make clear your opinion How to begin A pun/joke based on your topic A shocking fact or statistic Asking the reader s opinion A quote from an expert on the topic
Example Introduction 2 Not long ago, in a city fairly far away (although culturally, it may as well be galaxies ),an epic deal was struck in Los Angeles between two behemoths of the entertainment industry. A deal that would spark joy in the hearts of millions of man-children around the world, and an epic eye-roll from long-suffering partners. Yes, The Empire had struck back: Lucasfilms had signed an agreement giving Disney the rights to the Star Wars franchise. Fans waited with baited breath to see how Disney would use their new-found Force: after a series of prequels that were more Skyflopper than Skywalker, they were right to be apprehensive. However, what Disney has created has been a true testament to what is truly at the heartof Star Wars: not sci-fi, fantasy escapism, but a celebration of diversity, inclusion and progression.
Example Introduction 2 Tone-jokey, humorous Introducing topic Not long ago, in a city fairly far away (although culturally, it may as well be galaxies ), an epic deal was struck in Los Angeles between two behemoths of the entertainment industry. A deal that would spark joy in the hearts of millions of man-children around the world, and an epic eye-roll from long-suffering partners. Yes, The Empire had struck back: Lucasfilms had signed an agreement giving Disney the rights to the Star Wars franchise. Fans waited with baited breath to see how Disney would use their new-found Force: after a series of prequels that were more Skyflopper than Skywalker, they were right to be apprehensive. However, what Disney has created has been a true testament to what is truly at the heart of Star Wars: not sci-fi, fantasy escapism, but a celebration of diversity, inclusion and progression. Introduce main points Positive language showing opinion
Creating Main Arguments Your main paragraphs need to be a balance of: Creating an appropriate/consistent tone Giving the reader information on the topic Expressing your opinion clearly and persuasively, using persuasive techniques
Example Main Argument In a film franchise predominantly about aliens from galaxies far, far away, it perhaps seems bizarre to talk about Star Wars and diversity. However, it is a belief at the core of the franchise that has paved the way for actors of different genders, races and abilities to find a voice and place in the acting community. A mixed cast has contributed to the success of Star Wars, allowing those around the world a character to sympathise with: everyone can see themselves reflected in the Star Wars-verse. Gender representation has been a clear focus for directors of the franchise, consistently subverting gender stereotypes of what Princesses and young women are capable of. The addition of Daisy Ridley as the lead character in The Force Awakens confirms that Disney will continue to inspire female fans to reach for the stars, following in the lightsaber swooshes of Princess Leia, another badass female character. Kathleen Kennedy, president of Lucasfilms, said of Rey: [she] embodies that sense of self-reliance and independence ; qualities that are often only afforded to men in sci-fi. Rebecca Keegan of The LA Times, notes that Rey appears on-screen in a weather-beaten tunic, slouchy pants and a pair of rugged boots She wears no high-heeled shoes, no copper-plated bikini, no princess robes. Rey is costumed as a woman might dress herself, for herself. Where Leia may have at times been seen as a sexualised figure, or token female character, Rey is placed firmly in the Millennium Falcon s pilot s seat both physically and metaphorically-she is a hero in every aspect, and her gender is irrelevant. For a genre that is so often male led and where women often take the sidekick role, Rey is a strong feminist icon for a new generation of fans, and is making sci-fi a more inclusive place for women.
Writing Your Opposing Argument Your opposing argument should: Acknowledge the alternative opinion on the topic, and any holes in your argument Argue back against and disprove the alternative argument Clearly state your opinion strongly
Linking Words Contrasting an idea/argument -in contrast -on the other hand -in comparison -instead -despite this -alternatively -in opposition to this -although
Example Counter Argument Despite these positive steps towards an inclusive universe, many still see Star Wars as perpetuating negative stereotypes. Within the much-criticised prequels of the early 2000s, there were some who criticised the opinion- dividing character of Jar Jar Binks, suggesting that the accent and sentence construction used for this character was a parody of the patois used in Caribbean communities: At first the audience assumes that English is not his first language, and that a kind of lingua franca has developed between the English-speaking human inhabitants of Naboo and the Gungans to allow them to communicate. However, when we see Jar Jar s home, we discover that he communicates to the King in this language and that it s all they ve got. In this way, the Gungans and Jar Jar are seen as less than the other, more fluent, speakers within the series. However, George Lucas has vehemently denied this link with Caribbean culture, stating that he found the comparison completely absurd. Believe me, Jar Jar was not drawn from a Jamaican, from any stretch of the imagination." In retaliation to such claims, new director JJ Abrams has made it his priority to destroy the controversial or potentially offensive ideas of the past films, telling Vanity Fair that he wanted to "kill off" Jar Jar by showing his bones in the background of a desert scene. Abrams acknowledgement of the past missteps of the Star Wars franchise and drive to actively promote diversity in the new cast demonstrates that Star Wars are leaving the racist errors in the past, at hyperspeed.
Creating Your Conclusion In your conclusion, you should: Leave the reader with a lasting impression of your opinion Make a final effort to persuade the reader Sum up the points you have made Try end on something memorable
Example Conclusion Ultimately, Star Wars has used The Force for good: highlighting the dark side of sci-fi and exposing the genre as one that tends to under-represent females and people of colour. In their gender and colour blind casting process, the franchise ensures that the best actors are rewarded with challenging and intriguing roles, and ensuring that generations of varying ages have visible heroes within the sci-fi sphere. One small step for man, one giant step for nerds around the globe.
Homework-Due Fri 13th Sept Write the first draft of your persuasive essay. Remember to include: Introduction 3 main arguments Counter argument Conclusion Notes/examples of persuasive essays are on GLOW. Your first draft should be typed to make for easier editing in the future. Remember to email your piece to both email addresses, or hand in on USB. gw15innesmairi@glow.sch.uk missminnes@gmail.com
